Panasonic and Oculis Labs Partner to Deliver Bundled Security Upgrade on Toughbook Computers

SECAUCUS, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Panasonic Solutions Company, provider of collaboration, information-sharing and decision-support solutions for government and commercial enterprises, and Oculis Labs, developer of data privacy software that protects mobile and desktop computers from visual eavesdroppers, have partnered to deliver a uniquely valuable computer security system for Toughbook 31, C1 and 53 PCs, which ensures a level of privacy and protection that was previously unavailable to laptop users. The solution is based on Oculis Labs’ PrivateEye software that marries facial recognition and detection algorithms with a standard webcam to actively protect information displayed on computer screens.

“The Panasonic Soutions Company and Oculis Labs collaboration brings together two companies that understand the critical importance information security holds for industries and practices across the board”

PrivateEye Enterprise automatically “blurs” a user’s screen when it detects an eavesdropper. The screen appears “normal” when the correct user is present, yet will blur again if that user’s attention is turned elsewhere. When combined with the embedded security features found in the Toughbook 31, C1 and 53, the resulting solution delivers a highly secure computing platform for mobile workers that deal with sensitive information.

Workers are increasingly mobile, with Forrester’s Forrsights Workforce Employee Survey (Q3 2010) revealing that approximately one third of employees surveyed spend time working outside of their offices. [1] Evidence such as this highlights the growing number of workers that are operating in shared or public spaces, frequently reviewing and utilizing confidential information out in the open. Too often, this information gets compromised. Although computer hacking is a prominent issue, “visual eavesdropping” (possibly the easiest way to compromise data) is regularly putting on-screen records at risk of disclosure. To ensure information security is maintained, Panasonic Solutions Company (PSC) is offering a bundled upgrade option for all Toughbook mobile computers with embedded webcams to be preloaded and delivered with PrivateEye Enterprise data privacy software.

“The combination of Toughbook computers and PrivateEye Enterprise will provide customers with advanced data protection from prying eyes,” says Bill Anderson, CEO Oculis Labs. “Our technology solves the eavesdropper problem in a sophisticated manner providing alerting, compliance logging, auto-blur and lockout functionality where traditional plastic privacy filters fall short. This partnership will enable customers to benefit from the improved security features offered by our technology while working within the confines of a known delivery platform, the Toughbook computer.”

The Toughbook 31 fully-rugged notebook, Toughbook C1 convertible tablet and Toughbook 53 semi-rugged notebook are all ideal platforms for the incorporation of the PrivateEye Enterprise software not only because they are available with an optional integrated webcam, but also because of their embedded security features, such as the elective SmartCard and fingerprint readers, which ensure sensitive data is kept secure and private. In addition, all of the devices feature trusted platform module (TPM) security chips, Computrace® theft protection, Intel® Anti-Theft Technology and a shock-mounted, flex-connect hard drive with a quick-release feature that allows for enhanced data protection.

“The Panasonic Soutions Company and Oculis Labs collaboration brings together two companies that understand the critical importance information security holds for industries and practices across the board,” said Cheryl Noti, Director Solutions Architecture Team, Panasonic Solutions Company. “Oculis Labs’ sophisticated computer vision software is the only available solution that protects information from traveling outside the hosting device—from the display to the user’s eyes. Combining the intuitive PrivateEye software with the embedded security features of Toughbook computers, allows us to offer an optimized level of security, which functions inside and outside of the computing platform.”

For more information on the Toughbook 31, C1, 53 and other Toughbook mobile computers, go to www.toughbook.com.

For more information on PrivateEye Enterprise, go to www.privateeyeenterprise.com.

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[1] Forrester Forrsights Workforce Employee Survey, Q3 2010

About Oculis Labs

Oculis Labs, headquartered in Hunt Valley, Maryland, develops data privacy software that secures the last two feet of the Internet – the distance from the computer screen to a user’s eyes. The company’s security software enables users to protect the valuable information displayed on their desktops and laptops from unintended viewers. The company offers PrivateEye Enterprise www.privateeyeenterprise.com for consumer and enterprise users to safeguard all displayed information from visual eavesdropping. For more information, visit www.oculislabs.com.

About Panasonic Solutions Company

Panasonic Solutions Company empowers people whose jobs depend on reliable technology. The company delivers collaboration, information-sharing and decision-support solutions for customers in government, healthcare, education and a wide variety of commercial enterprises. Products and services within the company’s portfolio include Panasonic Toughbook mobile computing solutions, projectors, professional displays (including both plasma and LCD), and HD and 3D video acquisition and production solutions. As a result of its commitment to R&D, manufacturing and quality control, Panasonic is known for the reliability and longevity of its products. Panasonic Solutions Company is a Division of Panasonic Corporation of North America, which is the principal North American subsidiary of Panasonic Corporation (NYSE: PC).

All brand and company/product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of the respective companies. All specifications are subject to change without notice. Information on Panasonic Solutions Company’s full line of products can be obtained by calling 877-803-8492 or at www.panasonic.com/business-solutions.